Japan has again expanded its state of emergency related to COVID-19. Eight more regions have been added to the government’s list and the impact is affecting the country’s health care system.
Here’s one noteworthy statistic Japan tracks: the number of seriously ill COVID-19 patients.
Through Wednesday, that figure has set a new daily record for 13 days in a row — now at nearly 2,000.
More than 70% of the nation’s prefectures are now in a state of emergency.
Tokyo has been under that state of emergency for a little more than six weeks and daily new cases have risen by 10 times since it began — to about 5,000 — and 25,000 nationwide.
That government emergency order is less restrictive than in some countries.
Authorities have urged restaurants to close by 8 p.m. — and not serve alcohol.
But local media report many establishments are defying those rules — and the work-from-home option for office employees is less common than in many places hit by the virus.
National broadcaster NHK reports about 25,000 patients are recovering at home because of a shortage of hospital beds.
The government’s top medical adviser told a parliamentary committee Wednesday that “the severely tight medical systems will continue for a while.”
Meanwhile, vaccinations continue — following a slow start.
The government says about 40% of the population has been fully vaccinated.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga wants to reach 60% coverage by the end of next month.
